There are those who believe that people with autism, i.e. adults with autism who have the resources to self-advocate, should lead the discussions and decisions related to autism. Many of them have expressed it this belief as a matter of logic; others have expressed it as a matter of justice; and others have demanded it as their right. Those outside of these circles sometimes see this demand as self-advocates wanting to wrest the decision-making powers from parents and researchers and practitioners.

There is some truth to their claims on these powers, but there is also some untruth to these claims. With regards to researchers and practitioners, it’s a matter of scientific practice and scientific integrity. They want to control their own efforts, and they have a point in that regard; a scientist should not be forced to study something that does not interest him or her. Fortunately, the public doesn’t have to fund the objectionable research particular scientists may wish to engage in, but that doesn’t mean they won’t find funds elsewhere. But, for the moment, I’m not concerned with researchers or practitioners.

As a parent, I empathize with the position of parents. That position can easily be summarized: You don’t represent our children. Whether we’re talking about adults with autism or researchers and practitioners, the truth is that you do not represent our children, no matter how much you might want to do so. If our children are of age and have the necessary resources to self-advocate, then they can self-advocate and then we have to accept their rights to do so. If our children are not of age or cannot advocate for themselves, then we have the right and responsibility to advocate for them.

For some parents, it truly is a matter of power. Some parents continue to exercise excessive power over their children long after their children are able to engage in self-determination, self-advocacy, and self-fulfillment. They actively seek to deny their children the necessary resources to self-advocate in an attempt to maintain control of their children; they may also actively discourage self-advocacy. For the moment, I’m not concerned with them.

I’m concerned with the parents who advocate for their children because life has taught them that no one else will do so. I’m concerned with the parents who have been burned by school systems, medical facilities, and governing bodies. I’m concerned with the parents who know that their children’s interests are threatened and who stand up to speak out against those threats.

We will not let you advocate in the names of our children, because we don’t trust you. Our ability to trust has been damaged, assaulted, and betrayed. We’ve learned the hard way that “the system” doesn’t really protect our children’s interests unless we advocate for them. We recognize that you may be well-intentioned, but that doesn’t mean that you know what our children need. Furthermore, we recognize that you may not be well-intentioned; you may be self-serving and we know what serves you does not necessarily serve our children.

If you earn our trust, then we can cooperate with you and even collaborate with you. But we cannot step aside. We cannot leave the work for you to do. Our children need us to speak up. We cannot trust you to do so.